TRG
	Docket No: 5532-07
										7 April 2008

This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to the provisions of title 10 of the United States Code section 1552.

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 1 April 2008. Your allegations of error and injustice were reviewed in accordance with administrative regulations and procedures applicable to the proceedings of this Board. Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of your application, together with all material submitted in support thereof, your naval record and applicable statutes, regulations and policies.

After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board found that the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.

You enlisted in the Navy on 15 April 1996 at age 19. You then served in a satisfactory manner for over two years. Because of difficulties you were having you were admitted to the hospital for evaluation by mental health services. Subsequently, you were diagnosed with a narcissistic personality disorder and as an alcohol abuser. You were recommended for an expeditious administrative separation because you were judged to be a continuing risk to yourself or others if retained in the Navy.

on 3 May 1999, you were notified of separation processing. In connection with this processing, you elected to waive your procedural rights. After review, the discharge authority directed an honorable discharge by reason of your diagnosed personality disorder and you were so discharged on 21 May 1999. At that time you were not recommended for reenlistment and were assigned an RE-4 reenlistment code.

There is no evidence in the record and you have submitted none to show that you were improperly diagnosed and recommended for discharge in 1999. The Board is aware that personality disorder symptoms may become manifest when an individual is under stress and you were apparently under stress at the time.

Regu1ations allow for the assignment of an RE-4 reinstatement code when an individual is discharged by reason of a personality disorder. That code is normally assigned when there is a finding that an individual is at risk to harm themselves or others if retained in the Navy. Given the circumstances of your case, the Board concluded that the RE-4 reenlistment code was properly assigned.

Accordingly, your application has been denied. The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.

It is regretted that the circumstances of your case are such that favorable action cannot be taken. You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon submission of new and material evidence or other matter not previously considered by the Board. In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that a presumption of regularity attaches to all official records. Consequently, when applying for a correction of an official naval record, the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice.

Sincerely,

W. DEAN PFEIFFER
Executive Director